Govt says Bogan Gate-Tottenham rail line closure only temporary

The New South Wales Government says the Bogan Gate to the Tottenham rail branch line has only been closed temporarily because a small grain harvest has meant fewer trains are using the track.

A local transport lobby group and Parkes Shire Council raised concerns over the temporary closure.

Parkes Mayor Robert Wilson says he is pleased to know the line can be reopened when a train gives seven days notice before it wishes to use it.

However, councillor Wilson says the council will try to ensure the line is open full-time again when conditions improve.

"So we'll be making sure that when the drought breaks ... and there'll be huge quantities of wheat out in that area that we will have an upgraded rail facility that goes from Tottenham back to Bogan Gate," he said.